Online Art Classes: Art as an Educational Tool at Home

For millions around the globe, the past months have been defined by a change in the day to day life. Are there ways for us to channel this disruption and shift the way we connect to others? Experts are saying that the ones who will adapt best to all these changes are the ones who will learn how to get through this time stronger and better, ready for an altered future. So, what if we tell you that art can be that tool that can open your mind, facilitate your adaptive journey, and help you realize your creative way forward?

Art for social emotional well being

This superpower of art cannot be stressed enough (no pun intended). When the world is going through a global crisis and humanity fights unitedly against the same unseen enemy, art offers a fun, symbolic means of communicating beyond any language or culture. When people are going through uncertainty, it is very important to express their feelings and art is a great liberating way to do so. Read more…

"Under-painting: Why You Need to Do It" by Jerry Sartarama

Develop Contrast and Values Before Color

Sometimes when starting a new oil painting, nothing can be more intimidating than a big white blank canvas staring you down. Each paint squeezed out on your palette looking more vibrant, vivid and intimidating. If you’re the type of person who see’s that blank canvas and it terrifies you like a killer clown in white makeup, then maybe under-painting might be the answer for you!

Underpainting and Finished Worked, Evening Flight by Jan Blencowe

In painting, an under-painting is a first layer of paint applied to a canvas or board and it functions as a base for other layers of paint. It acts as a foundation for your painting and is a great way to start your painting off with some built in contrast and tonal values. It’s a technique that was widely used by the old masters as a way to develop a plan for future color placement and to establish certain values and tones within a painting’s color palette. An under-painting, if used correctly, is a great way to unite color values in the overall painting and add a subjective color key to the painting that will create a tonal dominance of the painting. Read More…